AFM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AFM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which crop rotation practice best reduces the risk of soybean cyst nematode buildup in continuous soybean production? → Rotating soybeans with corn every other year
2. Cover cropping between cash crop seasons primarily reduces risk by: → Improving soil health, reducing erosion, and potentially suppressing weeds
3. Which factor is MOST critical when selecting a crop variety for a specific field in U.S. production agriculture? → Local performance data from university or industry trials in the same region and soil type
4. In Accredited Farm Manager Certification practice, what is the FIRST step when a safety hazard is identified in the workplace? → Immediately secure the area and report the hazard
5. A farm manager calculates a current ratio of 0.85 for the operation. What does this indicate? → Current liabilities exceed current assets, indicating potential cash flow problems
6. What is the MOST effective way for new AFM professionals to build competency? → Combining formal education, mentored practice, and ongoing professional development
7. What documentation is MOST critical to maintain for safety compliance in the Accredited Farm Manager Certification field? → Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs
8. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) principle applies to ALL AFM certified professionals regardless of their specific role? → PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
9. When evaluating land productivity for leasing purposes, an AFM manager would most likely use: → Soil productivity index scores and yield history to set a fair cash rent
10. Which federal agency is responsible for regulating commodity futures trading in the United States? → Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
11. Which of the following is a measure of farm efficiency rather than profitability? → Operating expense ratio
12. A farm operator hedges 60% of expected soybean production with futures contracts and leaves 40% unhedged. The unhedged portion represents: → A speculative position subject to full price risk
13. How does the AFM body of knowledge relate to daily professional practice? → It provides the foundational framework guiding decision-making and standard practices
14. Which statement BEST describes the relationship between Accredited Farm Manager Certification certification and industry evolution? → Requirements evolve periodically to reflect advances in knowledge and practice
15. A farmer's tax records show Schedule F net income significantly lower than the accrual-adjusted net farm income. The most likely cause is: → Prepaid expenses and growing inventories not yet sold
16. On an accrual-adjusted income statement, an increase in grain inventory from the beginning to the end of the year would: → Increase net farm income
17. Price discovery in commodity markets refers to: → The process by which buyers and sellers interact to determine a commodity's market price
18. Which cost remains constant regardless of production levels? → Fixed cost
19. Why is recordkeeping critical in compliance? → To demonstrate and maintain regulatory compliance
20. What is the PRIMARY ethical obligation of a certified Accredited Farm Manager Certification professional regarding confidential information? → Protect it from unauthorized disclosure at all times
21. In Accredited Farm Manager Certification, what is the PRIMARY purpose of conducting regular safety drills and exercises? → To ensure personnel can respond effectively in emergencies
22. What is the PRIMARY ethical obligation of a certified Accredited Farm Manager Certification professional regarding confidential information? → Protect it from unauthorized disclosure at all times
23. A 500-acre corn farm has total variable costs of $275,000 and fixed costs of $85,000. What is the break-even price per bushel if expected yield is 180 bu/acre? → $3.56/bu
24. Which risk management strategy best addresses institutional risk, such as sudden changes in environmental regulations affecting a farm operation? → Active participation in farm organizations and staying informed about pending legislation
25. Why must farmers comply with agricultural regulations? → To ensure safety, sustainability, and legal operation
26. Which statement BEST describes the relationship between Accredited Farm Manager Certification certification and industry evolution? → Requirements evolve periodically to reflect advances in knowledge and practice
27. What should be included in a farm operation budget? → All expected income and expenses for the operation
28. A put option in agricultural markets gives the buyer the right to: → Sell a futures contract at the specified strike price
29. How does the AFM body of knowledge relate to daily professional practice? → It provides the foundational framework guiding decision-making and standard practices
30. A wheat producer in the Southern Plains is considering drought-tolerant variety selection as a risk management strategy. The primary advantage is: → Reducing yield loss probability during moisture stress periods